Kogarah Greek Orthodox parish raise funds for food initiative that helps those in need

·

The Kogarah Church Philoptohos Society hosted its inaugural St Elesa Food Initiative Annual Fundraiser on Saturday, July 23 at the Emporium Function Centre in Bankstown.

The event was attended by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, His Grace Bishop Christodoulos of Magnesia, His Grace Iakovos of Miletoupolis and other members of the clergy.

Over 300 attendees enjoyed a wonderful family night filled with generosity, food and dancing.

All photos by Eirini Alligiannis.

Leo and Andrew Stefadouros of Olympic Marble donated a beautiful hand created mosaic icon of St Elesa to help raise funds via a raffle.

The event was also sponsored by: Acropolis Funeral Services, Auctus Strategy, C&C Chickens, Delphi Bank, Envirosystems Technologies, Euro Funeral Services, Fokas Beyond, John Skufris – Ray White Commercial South Sydney, SOS Physiotherapy, St George Prescription Centre, and Premier Northpak Packaging.

Bishop Christodoulos addressed the audience on the night and provided insights into how the St Elesa Food Initiative came to fruition and has developed over the past two years to support nine crisis shelters and provide meals to rough sleepers across Sydney.

Archbishop Makarios gave a speech as well and congratulated the Initiative on their achievements and thanked all the volunteers involved. He also reminded the attendees of the importance of giving, especially during the current economic conditions, and that a smile can go a long way when wanting to help and support your fellow man.

The audience also heard from Vivian Stavis, Manager of the Lillian Howell Project, who accommodates young women who are experiencing homelessness. Vivian recalled her clients delight at the home cooked meals that arrive each week, especially the rizogalo (rice pudding) and invited the volunteers to come to the shelter and teach the young ladies how to prepare it for themselves.

A wonderful family night was had by all. Children enjoyed the free photobooth and face painting, whilst Tasso from Greek Bouzouki Entertainment Sydney entertained the crowded dance floor.

The Kogarah Church Philoptohos Society raised $55,000 for the St Elesa Food Initiative. These funds will be used to provide meals, clothes and other needed item to those in need across Sydney.

For more information about the St Elesa Food Initiative, please email: saintelesafoodinitiative@gmail.com or read our story here.

*All photos by Eirini Alligiannis.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From Athens to Adelaide: Hellenic bonds strengthened at dinner for Loverdos

South Australia’s Greek community gathered at the Mortlock Chamber to honour visiting Deputy Minister Ioannis Loverdos.

Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney pays tribute to women of courage and resistance

The Hellenic Lyceum of Sydney hosted a deeply moving and meticulously researched presentation titled Greek Heroines of WWII.

Anemones in full bloom, 25 years of Greek dance and giving

The hall was brimming with warmth, laughter, dance, and homemade food; unmistakable signs you’d stepped into an Anemones celebration.

Sydney Olympic may be forced to drop new logo over Olympic symbol breach

Sydney Olympic FC may be forced to change its new logo after it was found to breach protections over official Olympic symbols.

Greek Australian community leader Nola Radiotis honoured with Senior Award

The Victorian Senior of the Year Awards took place at Government House on this Wednesday, October 22, 2025. 

You May Also Like

Tom Koutsantonis MP leads historic motion in SA Parliament to recognise Republic of Artsakh

The Honorable Tom Koutsantonis MP passed a historic motion in SA Parliament on Wednesday to recognise the Republic of Artsakh.

World Culinary Awards recognise four Greek restaurants in 2023

During the World Culinary Awards in Dubai this month, four Greek restaurants have been recognised for their culinary excellence.

An invitation to all: The Antipodean Palette Art Exhibition 2024 and Poetry Afternoon

The Greek Australian Cultural League (GACL) will again proudly present the Antipodean Palette Group Art Exhibition 2024.